Muhlenberg Job Corps recreation staff, like all staff, has had to adapt its programs to engage students from a distance because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pre-coronavirus, recreation staff’s normal job duties included tasks such as creating extracurricular activities, coaching sports teams and keeping students engaged and learning during their leisure time.

Now recreation staff have the tall task of engaging students in leisure and recreational activities via the internet and social media. The recreation staff has hosted virtual bingo, Fortnite tournaments, virtual tours of museums, scavenger hunts, and activities to encourage students to exercise by walking, stretching or weightlifting.

Recreational staff also have been giving students assignments that focus on healthy habits and time management to promote positive activities.

Participation in online recreational activities is increasing as each week more students are actively engaging recreation staff on Facebook and in the Google Classroom.

Recreation plays an important part in keeping the student engagement high and positively impacting mental health even when students aren’t on center, Victoria Morris, evening and weekend studies coordinator and recreation specialist, said. “I believe the recreational activities we are doing are good for promoting positive mental health.”

While the recreational staff is working to eventually target mental health through focused classes, research shows that physical activities can help treat mild to moderate depression as effectively as antidepressant medication. Physical activity is also linked with sharper memory and thinking, higher self- esteem, better sleep, more energy, and stronger resilience.

For more information about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and exercise, visit: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/the-mental-health-benefits-of- exercise.htm

Recreation Specialist 'Coach Kay' (Kory Francis) shares a link to join Virtual Bingo with students via his Facebook page.